General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Manila on May 31 afternoon, beginning a state visit to the Philippines until June 1.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly are welcomed at Villamor Airbase on May 31 afternoon.

The visit is made at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.

Those welcoming the Vietnamese leader, his spouse, and his entourage at Villamor Airbase included Philippine Secretary of Agriculture Tiu Laurel Jr., Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh and his wife, along with numerous officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and members of the Vietnamese community in the archipelagic nation.

Both located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and the Philippines boast a long-standing and strong friendship while sharing many strategic interests in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1976, the bilateral relationship has been continuously enhanced and developed across various fields, becoming increasingly substantive.

In 2015, the two countries set up a Strategic Partnership, a significant landmark that created a stepping stone for promoting all-round cooperation in the new phase.

In recent years, Vietnam – Philippines ties have continued to maintain positive momentum, notably with tightened political trust, expanded economic cooperation, and enhanced coordination in regional and international issues.

The state visit by General Secretary and President Lam is of particularly special significance.

It marks the first visit to the Philippines by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and takes place as the two countries are looking forward to the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the Philippines is holding the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

The trip demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for its friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, as well as with ASEAN and the Southeast Asian region.

It also provides an opportunity for high-ranking leaders of both countries to have in-depth discussions on major directions to further develop the Vietnam – Philippines Strategic Partnership in a stronger, more substantive, and more effective manner in the new phase.

Party General Secretary To Lam meets US President Donald Trump at White House

Party General Secretary To Lam congratulated the US and President Trump on the successful organisation of the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace. He affirmed that Vietnam was among the first countries to commit to participating in the Gaza Board of Peace, and stands ready to coordinate with the US and other members of the Board to implement the peace plan.

 

Party General Secretary To Lam attends inaugural meeting of Gaza Board of Peace in US

President Trump highly appreciated General Secretary Lam's participation in the meeting, affirming his deep respect for Vietnam, an admirable country with an increasingly significant role and influence.

 

Party General Secretary To Lam welcomed in Cambodia

Vietnam always attaches great importance and gives top priority to developing and nurturing the good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability with Cambodia.

 

Party General Secretary To Lam leaves Hanoi for state visit to Laos

The trip is an occasion for the two Parties and countries to continue affirming their great special solidarity, faithful attachment, and unwavering bond, a relationship that has been tested and continuously nurtured throughout history.

 

Foreign leaders extend congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam

First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez expressed his belief that under the General Secretary’s clear-sighted leadership, the Party and people of Vietnam will continue advancing firmly on the path towards socialism and usher in a new phase of more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable development.

 

Party General Secretary To Lam chairs int'l press conference to announce outcomes of 14th National Party Congress

The Party chief stressed that the 14th National Congress was a resounding success, calling it a historic milestone in the Party’s 96-year journey and the country’s millennia-long history.